Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Roasted Radishes with Peas
Plates of a vibrant pea and radish mix.

Roasted Radishes with Peas

Mild, slightly sweet, roasted radishes paired with bright and creamy peas make the perfect side to a spring or summer meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Chicken Creole
Tender chicken cooked in a tomato and spice-based sauce served over a bowl of pasta.

Chicken Creole

Quick and easy recipe that is full of flavor and ready in under an hour.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Baked Cauliflower Tots
Baked rounds of chopped cauliflower and cheese are shown on a platter.

Baked Cauliflower Tots

Cauliflower Tots are cheesy and kid-approved! They are sure to become your favorite side dish or snack.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
15 tots
Citrus Cucumber Flavored Water
Glasses of water with floating cucumber, lime and lemon slices.

Citrus Cucumber Flavored Water

Staying hydrated and cool is easy with this fun flavored water recipe.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Apple Cinnamon Flavored Water
Glasses of refreshing Apple Cinnamon Flavored Water are shown with an apple slice garnish.

Apple Cinnamon Flavored Water

A unique and flavorful spin on flavored water!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Quick No-Cook Pizza Sauce
Tomato sauce blend being shown spread onto pizza dough.

Quick No-Cook Pizza Sauce

A quick and easy pizza sauce full of rich and tangy tomato flavor and Italian herbs.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups